Ideas for Children's Small Bedrooms
If you are looking to effectively utilise a small bedroom, how can you maximise the space available? For those intending to accommodate two children in one room, a practical space-saving option is to consider bunk beds which are available in a variety of styles, whether metal or wooden, and some even feature a double bunk on the bottom, allowing three children to sleep in one bed.
When designing the room, it is important to remember that a top bunk is not appropriate for a child under the age of 6.
For those needing to accommodate just one child in the small bedroom, there are numerous other sleeping arrangements to consider. If you have a younger child, a cabin bed might be the ideal choice. Cabin beds are suitable for children aged 3 and above and are a wise investment, as the space beneath the bed can be transformed as the child matures from a play area to a study area. Cabin beds often come equipped with drawers, small wardrobes, desks, and sometimes even small play areas underneath. Most cabin beds offer a variety of furniture arrangements for the space beneath the bed, allowing for customised storage solutions to meet individual needs. The inclusion of pull-out desks within the cabin bed provides a dedicated area for homework, colouring, and crafting, without sacrificing floor space for play.
For slightly older children, a high sleeper can provide greater flexibility in storage options. High sleepers can include wardrobes, desks, seating areas, sofa beds, and drawers, all combined in various layouts beneath the bed. High sleepers can effectively enhance any teenager’s room with ample storage, as well as areas for studying and relaxation. Numerous accessories are available for high sleepers, including clip-on bedside tables and lamps.
If there is already a bed in the room, there are additional options that can optimise the remaining space. There are various wardrobe designs that either feature external drawers beneath the wardrobe doors or internal arrangements of shelving, drawers, and hanging space to maximise storage while minimising wasted space. A wardrobe with external drawers eliminates the need for a separate chest of drawers, and these wardrobes are available in several combinations, such as 2, 3, or 4+2 drawers. Wardrobes with internal shelving and drawer space can be particularly useful for younger children, allowing for toy storage to create more floor space for play or to tidy up at the end of the day.
Storage boxes and drawers that fit under the bed can also provide significant storage by utilising the often-overlooked space beneath a bed. Under-bed drawers can accommodate clothing, bedding, and linens without intruding on the room’s space. Under-bed storage boxes typically come with wheels, and while they can serve the same purpose as under-bed drawers, they also make excellent toy boxes, as children can easily pull them out into the room for playtime.
Painting the bedroom in light, airy colours, with skirting boards, window frames, and doors in a slightly darker shade, can create the illusion of a larger space. Additionally, using a consistent colour palette for curtains, cushions, and bedding enhances this effect. Hanging several smaller prints instead of one large piece, and painting shelves the same colour as the walls can also contribute to the feeling of spaciousness. Strategically placing mirrors around the room can further enhance the illusion of space, but it is essential that all mirrors are made of safety glass in a child’s bedroom. It is crucial to declutter the bedroom, ensuring there are plenty of storage solutions for toys and clothes, and utilising vertical space with bookshelves and cube units. For safety, any tall units must be securely fastened to the wall.
Utilising a hammock-style netting suspended in a corner can be a fun way to store soft toys, which children often accumulate in large quantities. Additionally, using a bean bag cover filled with soft toys instead of traditional beads can be a creative storage solution.